Nurse adopts terminally ill patient's dog after learning he was destined for animal shelter

A US nurse adopted a patient's dog after she formed a connection with the elderly and terminally ill woman.

Kim Still of Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Georgia told WSB-TV she started forming a close relationship with her patient from the moment they were assigned.

However, one thing weighed on the patient's mind during her stay at the hospital: what would happen to her chihuahua Jax after she died?

"She didn't have any kids. She didn't have any family close by. So all she really had was this dog," Still said.

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But after the patient passed away, her family told Stills they were going to give the dog to a shelter.

"I was very worried that he was not going to be given a good chance, and possibly be put down if he didn't get out of the shelter," said Still.

So, she did one more thing for the patient, and adopted Jax.

"I could have never guessed the connection that you develop with some people when you take care of them," she said. "They [the elderly patient] just totally changed my life."

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Still told WSB-TV she got into nursing four years ago to help people, and that Jax is a reminder of that commitment.

"People will need to feel heard, and they need to feel like someone cares about him," she said.

"I am never going to get rid of him. He is so sweet. He is one of the most loving dogs ever."

Her co-workers were swayed by her compassion and awarded her the hospital's DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to recognise her work.

"Kim's story is one that showed not only compassion for her patient but for her patient's dog Jax as well," wrote the DAISY foundation. 

Though Still never thought she would get another dog, she says her original pup and Jax are now best friends.